Nova suspension update...

FLEMING · 10-17-2012, 10:14 AM

Looks like I will finally be updating my 74 nova.. It currently has slapper bars and ce adjustable shocks and a 8.5 10 bolt.. I am going to update it to the AFCO BNC shocks on the front and AFCO DA shocks on the rear.. Calvert bars, and split leafs... And also switch to 12 bolt so I can run a pro gear as no one makes one for the 10 bolt.. If I can afford the mark williams brakes all around I will get those, but I may have to settle for the strange brakes instead.. see how the budget goes... I want to do it the best that it can be done as I want to make the chassis as stocker ready as I can so at some point in the future I can build a stocker motor, (just bracket race until then...).. any nova guys got any suggestions on my thoughts?

Mike Taylor 3601 · 10-17-2012, 09:32 PM

Steve
Sounds like you have pretty good plan,on Mark Williams parts I have never been disappointed with anything I have bought or sold from them.
Split leafs work great the regular mono's we could could'nt get a full season on them on Jim Bob's nova he ran the split's about year and half w/no trouble unfortunately his car has been setting about 5 years since then.
Alot of people run Calverts shocks.
Mike Taylor 3601

Geerhead55 · 10-18-2012, 01:26 AM

You don't mention if you're planning on running a stick or an automatic, but remember, the biggest engine in a '74 Nova is only a 185 hp 350,, not exaxctly a torque monster, and no big block is legal, so you won't need to go overkill from a strength perspective. I've seen a few lower hp GM stockers run 10 bolts, so someone is making parts for them (Ultimate 10, and so on).
The Cal-Tracs work great, they also offer a line of springs and shocks, although theres nothing wrong with the Afcos you're looking at. The pieces you'll need are the same as the '68- '72 cars, so find a small block stocker racer from those years and pick their brain on how to set up your car to get it to leave. Sounds like a fun project,, good luck with it.
Danny Durham

FLEMING · 10-18-2012, 08:36 AM

Yeh 73 and 74' didnt have much muscle for sure...

Mike Taylor 3601 · 10-18-2012, 09:00 AM

Only problem with 10 bolt is 5.57 is lowest ratio,and alot of cars in lower classes are running lower than 5.57 gear
Mike Taylor 3601

countrypuppy4865 · 10-18-2012, 07:53 PM

Fleming, You have a pm.

10-17-2012, 10:14 AM	#1
FLEMING Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 260 Likes: 43 Liked 53 Times in 24 Posts	Nova suspension update... Looks like I will finally be updating my 74 nova.. It currently has slapper bars and ce adjustable shocks and a 8.5 10 bolt.. I am going to update it to the AFCO BNC shocks on the front and AFCO DA shocks on the rear.. Calvert bars, and split leafs... And also switch to 12 bolt so I can run a pro gear as no one makes one for the 10 bolt.. If I can afford the mark williams brakes all around I will get those, but I may have to settle for the strange brakes instead.. see how the budget goes... I want to do it the best that it can be done as I want to make the chassis as stocker ready as I can so at some point in the future I can build a stocker motor, (just bracket race until then...).. any nova guys got any suggestions on my thoughts?

10-17-2012, 09:32 PM	#2
Mike Taylor 3601 VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Somerset,Ky Posts: 1,362 Likes: 337 Liked 279 Times in 96 Posts	Re: Nova suspension update... Steve Sounds like you have pretty good plan,on Mark Williams parts I have never been disappointed with anything I have bought or sold from them. Split leafs work great the regular mono's we could could'nt get a full season on them on Jim Bob's nova he ran the split's about year and half w/no trouble unfortunately his car has been setting about 5 years since then. Alot of people run Calverts shocks. Mike Taylor 3601

10-18-2012, 01:26 AM	#3
Geerhead55 VIP Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Tacoma, Washington Posts: 1,632 Likes: 0 Liked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Nova suspension update... You don't mention if you're planning on running a stick or an automatic, but remember, the biggest engine in a '74 Nova is only a 185 hp 350,, not exaxctly a torque monster, and no big block is legal, so you won't need to go overkill from a strength perspective. I've seen a few lower hp GM stockers run 10 bolts, so someone is making parts for them (Ultimate 10, and so on). The Cal-Tracs work great, they also offer a line of springs and shocks, although theres nothing wrong with the Afcos you're looking at. The pieces you'll need are the same as the '68- '72 cars, so find a small block stocker racer from those years and pick their brain on how to set up your car to get it to leave. Sounds like a fun project,, good luck with it. Danny Durham

10-18-2012, 08:36 AM	#4
FLEMING Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 260 Likes: 43 Liked 53 Times in 24 Posts	Re: Nova suspension update... Yeh 73 and 74' didnt have much muscle for sure...

10-18-2012, 09:00 AM	#5
Mike Taylor 3601 VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Somerset,Ky Posts: 1,362 Likes: 337 Liked 279 Times in 96 Posts	Re: Nova suspension update... Only problem with 10 bolt is 5.57 is lowest ratio,and alot of cars in lower classes are running lower than 5.57 gear Mike Taylor 3601

10-18-2012, 07:53 PM	#6
countrypuppy4865 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Donaldsonville, LA Posts: 978 Likes: 17 Liked 228 Times in 70 Posts	Re: Nova suspension update... Fleming, You have a pm. __________________ Jimmy "Cooter" Hidalgo, Jr. 4865 E/SA '04 GTO 4865 SS/GA '99 Firebird